In building 25, Alexander and his gang's reign of terror escalated, robbing several households and indirectly causing the death of five people. This violence prompted many residents to seek unity and safety in numbers. They decided to live together, barricading their doors and collecting snow for water through their windows. Some, like Mira and Iris, found refuge in Annie's apartment on the 18th floor. Annie, a successful businesswoman in the cosmetics industry, had a sizable apartment similar to Phoenix's.
Mira and Iris were allowed to stay thanks to Peng's influence, as they promised to convince Phoenix to let everyone into his secure and well-stocked home. However, Phoenix's steadfast refusal soured the mood in Annie's apartment.
Annie confronted Mira and Iris, questioning their failure to secure Phoenix's cooperation. Mira tried to explain, emphasizing the comfort and safety of Phoenix's home. They had even shared videos and photos of Phoenix's home, hoping to entice others with its amenities.
Sun, a bespectacled financial worker, suggested a more forceful approach to Phoenix's refusal. He proposed breaking into Phoenix's apartment, arguing that Phoenix's selfishness warranted such measures. Jack, a former locksmith, boasted of his ability to pick locks, fueling the group's excitement.
The plan to storm Phoenix's home took shape, with the group gearing up and wrapping themselves tightly to avoid Phoenix's defensive tactics, as advised by Mira. As they approached Phoenix's apartment, Phoenix, alerted by his security system, assumed it was Alexander's gang and prepared to defend himself.
The group, believing they could overpower Phoenix with their numbers and Jack's lock-picking skills, approached with a mix of excitement and determination. Mira, still bitter from Phoenix's rejection, fantasized about humiliating him once inside.
As the group neared Phoenix's door, they opened their umbrellas, ready to counter any water or stink bombs Phoenix might use. Unbeknownst to them, Phoenix was watching, mistaking them for Alexander's gang. He decided not to let them die yet, considering them useful in dealing with the troublesome neighbors.
However, Phoenix didn't plan to let them off easily either. He smirked at the thought of teaching them a lesson, confident in his home's defenses and his ability to outwit them. The group, armed with their misguided confidence and fueled by Mira's naive assumptions about Phoenix's defenses, were unaware of the challenge they were about to face in attempting to breach Phoenix's secure fortress.